Broadband and the public good

The Free Press has released three useful reports on broadband that ought to be required reading for any citizen's group trying to convince public officials and economic developers that something needs to be done.

Connecting the Public: The Truth About Municipal Broadband

This paper makes a thoughtful case of public investment in broadband. Among the data presented is the fact that the number of private sector service providers goes up in communities with public broadband, contrary to some reports. An excellent position piece to provide to appointed and elected officials who need more information about the subject.

Telco Lies and the Truth about Municipal Broadband Networks

A carefully researched paper that compares telco statements about several community broadband projects in the U.S. to the actual outcomes and impact of the projects.

Broadband and Economic Development: A Municipal Case Study from Florida

Lake County, Florida experienced 100% greater growth than surrounding counties because of the public investment in a communitywide fiber system.